Marking a major departure from previous franchise entries, Forza Horizon 5 is a sprawling open-world racing game that does not feature official race tracks per se, but rather a large map stretching across the entire country of Mexico. Depending on which part of the map drivers explore, every type of topographical terrain is navigable, including sandy beaches, rocky canyons, rigid mountains, lush jungles, ancient ruins, lava-ridden volcanoes, and more.
Now that the game has been available to the public for a month or so, details regarding the most exciting areas to drive in Forza Horizon 5 have begun to seep out.
San Sebastian
Located at the south of the map and east of the Aerodromo En Le Selva, the area in between Gran Puente and San Sebastian has one of the coolest, twistiest, and most challenging roads to drive in the game.
Defined by one of the game's most iconic real-life landmarks, the massive Bularte Bicentenario suspension bridge that offers a panoramic vista of the entire Mexican map, this gorgeous locale carved in the heart of the jungle mountains also has long dark tunnels that offer an exciting counterbalance to the massive open-air bridge. Also close to the first festival, this is a great area to explore when starting the game.
Gran Pantano
Once navigating San Sebastian, take a turn in nearby Gran Pantano, a lushly verdant and densely-packed jungle area loaded with intersecting mud-roads and tight off-trail dirt that are paths perfect for well-tuned rally cars and top-tier cross country vehicles.
In addition to the super fun, yet challenging, races offered in the southern region of the Mexican map, one of the coolest and most unique parts of Gran Pantano includes a hidden dirt road that allows players to stop and snap a photo of the picturesque volcano located a few miles away.
Riveria Maya
Once a player is done touring the jungles of Gran Pantano, stay in the southeast and frequent the stunningly marvelous Riveria Maya, a white-sand beach with crystal clear water that is absolutely ideal for off-road driving.
Moreover, playing in the Events Lab mode of the game allows players to compete in a cross-country or lap race challenge, making the area far more than just a pretty locale suitable for non-racing R&R. While in the region, be sure to check out Playa Azul road, one of the most vibrant streets in all of Forza Horizon 5.
Aerodromo En La Selva
Before heading up north, be sure to explore the southwestern region known as the Aerodromo En La Selva, an ancient Mayan ruin that is not only a historical relic but a breathtakingly gorgeous sight to behold.
Aside from the visual beauty and historical import of the ancient ruin, the area comes with a strip of land for drag racing, an abandoned airfield with several hangars and ramps that are perfect for jumping off downed planes, and even an official circuit race available, making it one of the busier areas to explore in the game.
Dunas Blancas
Any true Forza racing fan knows how fun it is to drive on sprawling desert sands that are perfect for buggy races, offroad SUVs, and ATV challenges. In Forza Horizon 5, the most ideal area to explore in this regard is the Dunas Blancas region located in the northwestern part of the map.
With ramping sand dunes that range in size and a vast wide-open area to explore in all directions, Dunas Blancas is a great alternative for drivers who are sick of driving on narrow paved roads and cluttered metropolitan areas. The area also houses a hidden Barn Find, making the area more valuable to search.
Pyramid Of The Sun
While the towering Ek' Balam Mayan ruin is a worthy alternative, the Pyramid of the Sun ruin located in the beautiful ancient city of Teotihuacan is an absolute must-see landmark in FH5. In addition to the magnificent manmade temples, symbols, and lost relics that offer visceral thrills the closer a driver gets to them, the speed trap challenge offered in the area is extremely fun.
The stunning archaeological feat has gravelly roads surrounded by grass, shrubs, and trees that make it difficult to navigate. There's also one of 14 crucial Barn Finds located near Teotihuacan that makes the area extra worthy of exploring.
Copper Canyon
Once a driver has reached the northeastern part of the map, drive along the pristine cliffside road down into Copper Canyon, another versatile area that is ideal for both road and offroad driving. With hidden tunnels and an old elevated railroad track, the canyon has sand, cliffs, trees, and multiple elevations to navigate.
The higher part of the map allows players to jump off the side of the cliffs and pull off crazy stunts and tricks. The lower part of the map is geared for road racing through the base of the canyon. All in all, Copper Canyon has plenty of different activities to try out.
El Estadio Horizon
A tour through Mexico requires some sort of stop at a soccer stadium, and thankfully the Event Labs mode of FH5 allows players to do far more than that. When first perusing the fictional futbol arena El Estadio Horizon, players will find the stadium empty. However, through customization, players can turn the stadium into their own personal playpen.
For instance, players can set up a cool lap track to race on inside the stadium or arrange a course outside of the stadium to engage in an offroad race. There's even a controllable soccer ball in the stadium to play around with when racing becomes too tiresome.
Guanajuato
The most vibrant and thriving city in the entire game, the colorful metropolis of Guanajuato is easily one of the most enthralling areas to drive in FH5. The rainbow residences, stunning vistas, and twisty, narrowly paved roads are an architectural marvel, brimming with intricate detail and unique Mexican customs.
In addition to a slew of hidden underground avenues and shortcuts to discover, the area is absolutely ideal for the best drift cars in the game, as well as the best street racers. With verdant mountains jutting from the background and exotic palm trees, Guanajuato is so much fun that it's bound to spike Mexican tourism in real life.
La Gran Caldera
La Gran Caldera is by far the best and biggest attraction to explore in Forza Horizon 5. More massive than any other area on the map, the mountainous volcano offers players the most gameplay options. Even the winding, wiggly road leading into the area presents a harrowing challenge.
From the snowy peaks of the mountain to the magma-spitting heart of the volcano, La Gran Caldera allows players to drive on the top, bottom, left, and right of the volcano, with ice, dirt, and gravel surfaces presenting a different challenge with each different part of the area. Players can speed downhill, rally race, launch off various bumps and ramps, and do just about anything they desire in a vehicle. There's even a key Barn Find up for grabs in the area.